1080i vs. 720p

[MilosM3]

I am totally new to HD programming and hardware. Found this site as a great source of info. THANKS.

1) I have 30' LCD DELL hooked to Pace box. Resolution is set on something like 'pass through' so I guess the box and the TV find the best compatible setting? Is this what I want?
At any rate - no problems here. All HD programming looks sharp.

The only negative is that I have to use component cables although my TV has DVI input. When I connected DVI to DVI I had no signal. BHN told me that there are some compatibility issues with some TV manufactures. Does anyone have Dell W3000 with DVI - hooked up to BHN HD box?? Is this a firmware update on my TV that needs to be done or something?


2) Also, I just bought Samsung HLP5685 which is connected to SA8300HD PVR.
The TV has resolution of 1280x720.

This box does not have the 'variable - self adjusting' resolution setting as Pace box.

Which setting on the box should yield better picture for my TV?

1080i or 720p.

Thanks in advance for you help.

[mgd2win]

my preference is 720P all the way around especially for action sports

Just curious is the Dell LCD a ED or HD model as there is a difference.

[CANDY76MAN]

personally I've always preffered 1080i too 720p..... 1080i just appears slightly sharper too my eye and I can't really tell any difference between the two as far as fast movement goes.

Of course the TV's I own can only do 1080i so I can't compare them but I have compared the two at stores.

What I want is one of those 1080p lcd displays...those things have the best looking picture I've ever seen on a big screen display.
I'de like to see what real 1080p video looks like on one but I'de have to hook up my computer to do that...upconverted 1080i already looks unbelievable though.